The Better Gambling Forum (BGF) is a global initiative dedicated to enhancing player protection and minimizing gambling-related harm through evidence-based policy and responsible gambling practices.
Launched by the Brain Capital Alliance and in collaboration with key international stakeholders such as the G7/G20, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum, the forum seeks to establish a unified framework that can be utilized by regulators, operators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to bolster player protection on a global scale.
Central to the BGF's efforts is the draft Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy Pillars (RG3P) Framework. This proposed structure outlines a systematic approach to prevent and alleviate gambling harm and aspires to become a future global standard for responsible gambling policies, awareness efforts, treatment services, and regulatory benchmarks.
This framework is crafted to assist both nascent and established gambling markets in implementing effective player protection measures and in continually enhancing their strategies.
Recently, the BGF approved a report prepared for the UN, which encapsulated discussions from the BGF Collaborative Event held in New York City in September 2025. Following this event, the draft report underwent two rounds of stakeholder consultations, including a webinar in May 2026. The final version has now been published and aims to reshape the Pillars framework for regulators, health officials, and governments alike.
Viewing gambling through a public health and brain health perspective, the BGF emphasizes collaborative action across multiple sectors, including government, industry, healthcare, research, and community organizations. The goal is to foster safer gambling environments while making sure that necessary support services are accessible for those experiencing gambling-related issues.
Recognizing that consumers continue to enjoy gambling, the BGF advocates for regulation that mitigates harm rather than outright bans or prohibitions on certain gambling forms.
The RG3P Framework and accompanying UN Report consist of six core pillars, each providing essential guidance for player protection.
1. **Education, Informed Choice, and Harm Prevention**: This pillar aims to empower players with clear information about gambling risks, enabling them to make informed choices. Educational initiatives increase awareness regarding the nature of gambling products, the odds involved, and indicators of problematic behavior. Prevention strategies focus on addressing potential harm before it arises, discussing how consumers comprehend and utilize information in their decision-making processes.
2. **Risk Detection and Intervention**: This element promotes the adoption of tools and technologies to spot harmful gambling behaviors early. Monitoring behavioral indicators and timely interventions are crucial to supporting at-risk individuals before significant gambling harm manifests. Research is ongoing into identifying markers of harm and how the industry can respond effectively.
3. **Support, Treatment, and Recovery**: Access to effective support services is vital in player protection. The BGF highlights the necessity of treatment programs, counseling, recovery resources, and referral pathways to assist individuals affected by gambling issues. Integrating these services with broader health initiatives is essential for a comprehensive support system.
4. **Gambling Environment, Product, and Marketing Standards**: This pillar centers on the design and management of gambling products, venues, and advertising strategies. The framework encourages standards that minimize harm, promote safer gambling environments, and ensure responsible marketing that avoids targeting vulnerable populations.
5. **Ethical Industry Practices and Accountability**: The BGF emphasizes the need for transparency, ethical conduct, and accountability in the gambling industry. It encourages operators to prioritize player welfare in their decision-making and to commit to responsible gambling practices.
6. **Research, Evaluation, and Sustainable Funding**: Ongoing research into gambling behavior and risk factors is paramount. This pillar supports sustainable funding models to secure long-term investments in prevention, treatment, and evaluation efforts, facilitating the evolution of policies as new evidence emerges.
The BGF addresses the challenge of inconsistent responsible gambling standards across jurisdictions, providing a common reference that can be tailored to local needs while upholding core principles. By establishing this shared framework, the forum aspires to enhance cooperation among regulators, operators, public health organizations, treatment providers, and researchers. Ultimately, the goal is to diminish gambling-related harm and support healthier gambling practices worldwide.
In the coming months, the BGF will focus on gaining visibility for the Pillars and UN report at key forums and events. Recently, it conducted a panel discussion during the UN General Assembly in mid-September and is scheduled to appear at upcoming events in SBC Lisbon, ICE in Barcelona, and Davos in January 2027.
The organization also aims to attract new members to expand its expertise and knowledge in player protection. This initiative corresponds with the Brain Capital Alliance’s mission to foster mental and health resilience through strong public policies. The BGF’s robust efforts are designed to establish internationally recognized standards for responsible gambling and player protection, combining education, early interventions, treatment accessibility, responsible product design, industry accountability, and continuous research.
